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Two teenagers from Alpha died and another was hospitalized early this morning after a pickup truck went off River Road in Pohatcong Township and into the Delaware River.
(Express-Times Photo | TIM WYNKOOP)

Jonathan Gercie, 20, of the 1000 block of Fourth Avenue, and 14-year-old Tanner Sember, both passengers in the 2004 Dodge Dakota, were pronounced dead by the Morris County Medical Examiner's Office at the crash about a quarter-mile north of the Riegelsville bridge, township police Chief Jeffrey Greenemeir said.

Gercie was a 2011 graduate of Phillipsburg High School. Tanner just completed his freshman year at Warren County Technical School.

The pickup's driver, 18-year-old Luke Beebe, climbed out of the truck, floated down the river and worked his way up a steep incline to tell a bridge officer about the crash, Greenemeir said. The bridge officer reported the wreck at 2:32 this morning, Greenemeir said.

Beebe, of the 700 block of North Boulevard, was taken to St. Luke's University Hospital in Fountain Hill,
Greenemeir said. The teen's family told police that Beebe has fractured vertebrae and lower
extremity injuries, according to police.

Beebe was driving south on the narrow road, which includes a one-lane rail crossing, Greenemeir said. Beebe told police a green car, possibly with New Jersey license plates, was coming in the other direction and Beebe swerved to avoid a collision, Greenemeir said.

The truck went off the road, down an embankment and into the river, Greenemeir said. It was submerged when authorities arrived, the chief said.

Warren County Prosecutor Richard Burke said a relative of one of the teens told investigators the three were out fishing.

There is no indication alcohol played a role in the crash, Burke said. According to Greenemier, blood tests were being done on Beebe at the hospital to determine whether he was drinking before the crash.

The investigation is continuing into whether speed or other factors were involved, the prosecutor said.

“The accident on River Road this morning is absolutely terrible and has truly taken a toll on our community,” Pohatcong Township Mayor James Kern III said in a statement. “I cannot even imagine the pain the families of these young men are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with them in this difficult time.”

No one answered the door today at the homes of Gercie and Beebe. A group of people gathered at the home of Tanner, but a man there said no one wanted to talk. Gercie is listed on social media accounts as Jonathan.

Phillipsburg schools Superintendent George Chando said this afternoon of Gercie, "On behalf of the district, our deepest sympathies are extended to Jon's family. It's a terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences go out at this time."